News Desk
The government is maintaining stable fuel access for fishermen despite the sharp rise in global oil prices, Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources Ahmed Shyam said, rejecting reports that the industry had been stranded due to shortages.
In a post on X, Shyam said ensuring that fishermen can continue to go to sea remains a priority. He added that fishermen themselves have expressed appreciation for the government’s efforts to keep fuel prices steady and ease the burden on the sector.
Responding to a media report claiming that fishing activity had stalled due to lack of fuel, Shyam said such headlines did not reflect the situation on the ground. He urged reporters to verify information before publishing it.
Shyam noted that fisheries, after a prolonged period of decline due to shortages of bait, are now improving across the country. He said this has allowed vessels to move to areas where bait catches are stronger.
The minister also said the government is working closely with industry stakeholders to address challenges faced by companies involved in the sector. “The government continues to monitor the situation closely and is working for the best outcomes,” he said.
The wider fuel situation has been shaped by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has disrupted global supply. While many countries have felt the impact, the Maldives has not experienced shortages. The government has been monitoring developments since the outbreak of unrest in the Gulf, and on the day war was declared, President Dr Mohammed Muizzu formed a ministerial committee to oversee the situation. The committee has been briefing the public weekly.
At the most recent briefing, Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed said the Maldives would not face difficulties in securing fuel. He explained that STO continues to import oil under a nomination arrangement with suppliers based on national demand. Two new shipments arrived last week, with more scheduled.
Saeed said essential commodities including fuel, gas and staple goods will continue to reach the Maldives without disruption.
Under the President’s guidance, the government moved early to shield the public from global market volatility. Officials say this proactive approach has kept the impact of the Middle East conflict on the Maldivian market to a minimum.
